Key takeaways from recent developments in South Sudan:

• Vice President Riek Machar has been placed under house arrest amid escalating tensions with President Salva Kiir.
• The US and UN have called for Machar's release, warning that failure to uphold the peace deal may reignite civil war.
• International diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation are underway, with regional leaders engaging to mitigate risks of conflict.

The political landscape in South Sudan is increasingly precarious following the arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar on March 27. His party, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army - In Opposition (SPLM-IO), has declared that the 2018 peace deal, which ended a devastating five-year civil war, has effectively collapsed due to this latest escalation. The SPLM-IO's deputy chairperson, Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, stated that Machar's detention illustrates a lack of political goodwill crucial to achieving stability in the country.

Reports indicate that an armed convoy entered Machar's residence in Juba, leading to his arrest alongside his wife and several bodyguards. The government, led by President Kiir, accused Machar of attempting to incite rebellion, notably suggesting he contacted supporters to disrupt peace and prevent upcoming elections, according to a statement from government spokesperson Michael Makuei. The allegations were met with skepticism by Machar's party, which has denied any links to the White Army militia that recently clashed with government forces in the Upper Nile State.

The United Nations has voiced its concerns, with peacekeeping mission chief Nicholas Haysom emphasizing the need for all parties to adhere to the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Violations of this agreement, he warned, would not only threaten internal stability but also ripple across the region, potentially igniting large-scale conflict reminiscent of the previous civil wars that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.

International responses have been swift, with the United States urging President Kiir to reverse Machar's house arrest. A statement from the Bureau of African Affairs described the situation as one that requires immediate drastic action to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, embassies from the US, UK, and Germany have reduced operations, advising citizens to evacuate South Sudan.

Meanwhile, Kenyan former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been dispatched to engage with South Sudanese leaders in hopes of mediating the crisis, reflecting the growing international concern over the situation, particularly within the East African Community.

The ongoing tensions were exacerbated by recent violence between Machar's forces and government troops, raising alarm that the fragile political arrangement could unravel entirely. As the world watches, the future of South Sudan hangs in the balance, heavily influenced by the handling of its leaders and the international community’s response.